World class powerboat racers and its organizers suffered a significant blow from Hurricane Ike as it devastated a massive area of South Texas, the home of many powerboat racers, organizers and rescue personnel.
John Schubert, President of SPORT, the organizer of several Sport/Champ2 Texas events, including one scheduled for this weekend in Orange, Texas stated, “Our family came out ok from the storm, but most of South Texas was hit hard and still without power forcing us to cancel the Orange, Texas race. We hope to reschedule it for later this season, but if that doesn’t work out we’ll have to wait until 2009”.
ChampBoat Chief of Rescue, Mike Gibbs suffered significant damage to his home forcing his family to stay with friends.
John Schubert, President of SPORT, the organizer of several Sport/Champ2 Texas events, including one scheduled for this weekend in Orange, Texas stated, “Our family came out ok from the storm, but most of South Texas was hit hard and still without power forcing us to cancel the Orange, Texas race. We hope to reschedule it for later this season, but if that doesn’t work out we’ll have to wait until 2009”.
ChampBoat Chief of Rescue, Mike Gibbs suffered significant damage to his home forcing his family to stay with friends.
“Our side of Houston (Eastern) was hit exceptionally hard and there are still tens of thousands without power, so the last thing on our minds right now is boat racing”.
As a result, the ChampBoat Series also was forced to cancel the Tempe Grand Prix scheduled for Sept 27-28 with the loss of crew, rescue and many race teams.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all our friends in Texas,” said ChampBoat Director Mike Schriefer. “When disasters hit, it puts the sport of powerboat racing into perspective. It’s a shame however as we have worked so hard the past two years on Tempe, so we’ll really be looking forward to rescheduling the Tempe event for 2009 which will quickly become one of our highest profile events”.
As a result, the ChampBoat Series also was forced to cancel the Tempe Grand Prix scheduled for Sept 27-28 with the loss of crew, rescue and many race teams.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all our friends in Texas,” said ChampBoat Director Mike Schriefer. “When disasters hit, it puts the sport of powerboat racing into perspective. It’s a shame however as we have worked so hard the past two years on Tempe, so we’ll really be looking forward to rescheduling the Tempe event for 2009 which will quickly become one of our highest profile events”.
ChampBoat Series now directs its focus on the F1 ChampBoat and Champ2 season finale at the inaugural Grand Prix of Naples on Nov. 1-2. AMSOIL driver Terry Rinker is the current points leader in the F1 ChampBoat class. AMSOIL is also the Official Oil of ChampBoat.
Until then, we'll see you at the races.
